The Saudi Ministry of Hajj has alerted Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs, expressing concerns that the arrival of many beggars could negatively impact Pakistani pilgrims coming for Umrah and Hajj.
Saudi authorities stressed the importance of stopping this trend, as they believe it disrespects the sacredness of the pilgrimage.
In response to this warning, Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs said they will create an “Umrah Act” to regulate travel agencies that help with Umrah trips. This law and regulation will ensure that the agency will follow the rules to stop the misuse of Umrah visas.
Saudia Ministry asked the government to stop people coming from religious trips to enter Saudi Arabia for begging.
This issue has been a constant concern. Saudi authorities deported 16 people posing as pilgrims and arrested them for attempting to beg.
In May, the Saudi government announced a fatwa banning Hajj without a valid permit. The ministry has set a fine of 10,000 Riyals (about Rs 2.22 lakh) and stated that violators would be deported. A report showed that 90% of beggars caught in the Middle East are from Pakistan.
The warning highlighted the need for stringent measures to prevent the misuse of religious visas. The Saudi Ministry stated that this action would help them maintain the sanctity of pilgrimage rituals.
